Rep. Terri Cortvriend

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state laws to include shared services as a factor when deciding whether to create regional school districts in Rhode Island. It requires the state education commissioner to form planning boards that study how combining resources could improve school quality, reduce costs, and address issues like small enrollment numbers or funding gaps. The study must examine specific impacts on student programs, transportation, class sizes, and local community needs before any regionalization occurs. Additionally, the legislation allows existing districts to opt out of state regulations by becoming autonomous districts, though these districts would no longer receive state education funding.

Requires transition planning for high school students with disabilities, who have a “504” plan, like the transition planning required for high school students with disabilities, who have an individualized education program (IEP).

Maddy summaryHB 7504 creates tax-advantaged "catastrophe savings accounts" for homeowners to cover disaster-related costs. Taxpayers can deduct contributions (capped at $25,000 for those with standard deductibles or $250,000 for self-insured homeowners) and earn tax-exempt interest. Withdrawals remain tax-free if used for qualified expenses like uncovered repair costs or insurance deductibles after a declared disaster. The program applies only to primary residences with one account allowed per home, effective for 2027 tax years.

Maddy summaryHB 7695 creates tax exemptions for property, tangible personal property, sales, and use taxes to incentivize the establishment of qualified data centers in Rhode Island. It directly affects developers and operators of data centers that meet specific criteria defined in the bill. The key mechanism is granting these tax exemptions for eligible costs related to constructing or operating qualifying facilities, including equipment and infrastructure. This policy change reduces financial barriers for data center projects by lowering their operational tax burden.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes imposing a sales tax on digital advertising services, such as online display ads or social media promotions. It directly affects digital advertising companies that sell these services to businesses, requiring them to collect the tax from buyers and remit it to the state. The key mechanism is adding digital advertising to the state's existing sales tax framework, treating it similarly to other taxable services. The bill is currently in the introduction phase, having been referred to the House Finance committee on February 27, 2026.

Authorizes the town of Middletown to adopt by ordinance, a veterans’ property tax exemption to any veteran, who was honorably discharged, or discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, regardless of dates or periods of service.

Maddy summaryHB 7661 amends Rhode Island law to give towns greater flexibility in setting local property tax rates. It allows municipalities like Portsmouth to adopt, repeal, or modify their tax classification plans starting in 2027, with specific rate limits between property classes (e.g., residential vs. commercial). Key provisions require that tax rates for different property classes cannot differ by more than 50% (except in Providence, Glocester, and East Greenwich), and towns must document rate changes to municipal affairs to prevent reduced tax revenue. The bill applies broadly to Rhode Island municipalities but includes tailored rules for specific towns like East Greenwich, which can adjust its tax plan annually without annual approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 3-9, 2026, as Composting Awareness Week in Rhode Island. It aims to raise public awareness about the environmental and economic benefits of composting, such as reducing waste, conserving water, and improving soil health. The resolution encourages the Governor and the Department of Environmental Management to hold related activities and invites all Rhode Islanders to participate in composting efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 2026 as 'Eyeglass Recycling Month' in Rhode Island to promote awareness of vision health and environmental responsibility. It encourages residents to donate used eyeglasses to local Lions Clubs and community collection sites, which then contribute to a global initiative that recycles usable frames for distribution to underserved populations worldwide. The resolution also directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation and Lions Clubs International.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that officially designates May 2026 as Older Americans Month within the State of Rhode Island. It directly affects the state's recognition of older adults by authorizing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging. The text highlights the contributions of seniors and notes the historical role of Congressman John Fogarty in establishing federal support for older Americans, but it does not create new laws or funding. The measure serves as a commemorative proclamation rather than a substantive policy change.